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Wedin, Zamperla, Graff, and Kelley Honored With 2004 IAAPA Service Awards

 

ORLANDO, Fla., USA (Nov. 18, 2004) – Mats Wedin, Alberto Zamperla, John Graff, and Howard Kelley were presented with Service Awards today at the IAAPA Orlando 2004 General Managers and Owners Breakfast, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions ( IAAPA) announced.

IAAPA honored the winners during IAAPA Orlando 2004, the association’s 86 th annual convention and trade show at the Orange County Convention Center.

The MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD recognizes a member individual or organization that has advanced the IAAPA mission of “serving the membership by promoting the safe operations, global development, professional growth, and commercial success of the amusement industry.” This year’s recipient is Mats Wedin, President and CEO of Liseberg Park in Gothenburg, Sweden, as well as Second Vice Chairman of the association.

As head of Liseberg since 1993, he has augmented its extraordinary popularity by concentrating on preserving the park’s cultural heritage and strengthening its relationships with manufacturers & suppliers. Consequently, the 81-year-old park is, today, considered a national institution.

After serving the industry and its association in several capacities over the years, Wedin agreed in 2002 to put his leadership skills and vision to work on behalf of IAAPA as Chair of its Strategic Planning committee and, later, as head of the By-Laws committee. Tasked with providing a blueprint for the association’s continued growth, he guided a complex and varied process to a successful conclusion that will stand IAAPA in good stead well into the future.

The OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD is presented in recognition of a member individual or organization who works to foster the spirit of goodwill, professionalism, and higher levels of performance within the industry, on a regional, national, or international basis. This year’s winner was Alberto Zamperla, President of Antonio Zamperla S.p.A. in Vincenza, Italy.

A true friend and advocate of worldwide cooperation within the industry, Zamperla cited the importance of such a partnership in his IAAPA Board of Directors application a few years ago: “We need to all work together to grow and protect the image of the industry.” He has demonstrated this commitment in many crucial ways, from serving on the association’s Board to helping facilitate the current Euro Amusement Show partnership. Like many in this industry, amusement is a family business for Zamperla, who is the third-generation head of the company and whose rides are known and enjoyed the world over.

The LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD is given in recognition of a member individual or organization’s consistent and long-term achievements serving the association and the industry. This year’s honoree was John Graff, former President and CEO of IAAPA.

Graff has been the very essence of IAAPA for more than twenty years in a way that few have known. As head of the association’s full-time staff and day-to-day operations for nearly two decades, he tirelessly encouraged the industry to reach its full potential. While the association will always continue to evolve, he succeeded in setting it well on the path to a bright future.

Under his leadership, IAAPA’s membership and November show both grew exponentially, the association truly became international in its makeup & outlook, and a host of product & service innovations were introduced. By strengthening IAAPA, he likewise strengthened and enriched the industry itself. Today, he continues his involvement through such avenues as Give Kids The World and the International Institute of Peace Through Tourism.

Also presented this year was a BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD, which is a special citation given only on occasions where a record of industry accomplishment or service merit such exceptional recognition. The award was given to Howard Kelley, President of Sally Corporation in Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

Kelley recently chaired the committee that rewrote the IAAPA bylaws and associated governance policies. He took on the role of turning ideas and principles into the substantive language that will allow the organizations to effectively function and be successful.

Kelley has distinguished himself in the industry and IAAPA in numerous other ways as well over the past two decades, including his leadership of Sally and its role in bringing about the renaissance of a proud amusement tradition, the dark ride. Current and future generations in the association owe him a collective debt of gratitude, particularly this year for spearheading the development of IAAPA’s new by-law text.

In an effort to honor those members who excel in performing services for the amusement sector and their community, each year IAAPA seeks nominations for these awards from facility owners and operators of outstanding individuals or organizations who are not only well-known in the industry, but are also exceptionally dedicated to its well-being.

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IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their efficiency, marketing, safety, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org